Eye Opener

Successful design-led companies in Clerkenwell aren’t anything new, but the CrossEyes optician on Goswell Road is notable for expanding at the rate of knots.

Since opening in 2014, it has branched out with three more stores, in Camden, Leeds and Amersham. And recently it launched in Marylebone and Belfast. That’s six shops in two years.

CrossEyes is an imported Danish franchise that prides itself on its creative ethos; you won’t find any Prada, Gucci or D&G on the shelves – just frames designed for the brand by the founder, young entrepreneur Soeren Moeller.

Incidentally, if you’re wondering about the name, it’s because Moeller suffers from being cross- eyed. Nothing to do with angry stares or anything...